Tutorial One: Information technology and ethical issues

This is my first 'official' post. It has taken a long, long time to put it up but here it is. Its a long one...


In class we had discussion around information technology (IT). The Collins Dictionary online describes Information technology as “the production, storage and communication of information using computers and electronic technology.”

As stated above, I think information technology is a means of storing information. We can store photos, videos, word documents, and even emails. Through the web we are able to communicate/connect and share with others from everywhere.

This form of technology is common in our society; many people are using it in their everyday lives. Technology is rapidly evolving with new and improved gadgets being made everyday. To keep up with the latest gadgets would be very costly. In schools the use of white and black boards is becoming scarce. Instead ‘smart boards’ are becoming more popular. In some schools children are also required to purchase a Mac book as part of their stationary. Also, with the use of blended learning there is an increasing ‘need to know’ about technology in order to survive and strive today. It is common in most families to own a computer. The internet is becoming full of endless information (a rather scary thought…)

Here is a youtube video that looks at technology and society today:

When it comes to me and IT, I generally only know enough to get my by. I feel comfortable in using basic computer programmes, digital cameras, i-pods/mp3s, TV/DVD etc, Facebook, emailing, Google and cell phones. These are things I generally use everyday so I have had to understand how they work, becoming familiar with them and therefore comfortable in using them. 

I am currently undecided on how I feel about technology, like everything, it has its good and not so good points. But I do know that technology is becoming more essential today so I will continue to keep up with what I can.

On my first placement, IT was used to type reports, store information and help to organise a week. The internet was used for such things as email in order to communicate with other therapist, management, other professionals and sometimes clients (depending on the setting). Information regarding the setting or specific medical conditions can also be accessed via the internet. Cell phones and/or telephones were commonly used to communicate with supervisors and other health professionals.

On my second placement IT was used in much the same way. However, clients also used computers to access games and educational software.

Here is an article that looks at IT and occupational therapy. It has a lot of useful information that is worth a read (and saves me lots of typing!)

Having a great understanding of IT will be beneficial to know about for practice as technology is becoming a thing of the future. It can be used as a way in which we can engage client's in meaningful occupation. The times are definitely changing, what was meaningful way back when is not necessarily meaningful today. However, this will depend entirely on the individual. 
Have an understanding of IT may help us in interacting with clients as this may be an area of interest to them. 

Ethics

There are always ethical issues that will arise with technology. Some of these may include the way technology and the internet allows the copying of other people's 'property' to be done so easily, blurring who it truly belongs to. The privacy of others can be violated (even your own privacy), sharing too much information in a place were it can be accessed freely.   

To finish of my post here are some definitions around information technology...

Intellectual Property

According to Ministry of Economic Development “Intellectual property (IP) is an umbrella term used for human innovations and creativity that are capable of being protected under national law and international treaties.”

Basically, who has ownership of something that has been 'created'. Those who use this 'creation' must then do so with acknowledgment of the owner.  


Here are a couple of articles that address intellectual property in OT practice. 

 Social Justice 

The Business Dictionary online defines social justice as "Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without prejudice."

Social justice is concerned with equal justice in all aspects of society. This concept demands that people have equal rights and opportunities; everyone, from the poorest person to the wealthiest, deserve an even playing field.  

Clients should get the therapy they need, no more and no less. I guess its just providing the best possible interventions with clients and being smart about the use of IT in our interventions. Is it going to give equal opportunities, equal treatment and equal distribution?

Informed Consent

Informed consent is a concept in the medical community which supports the idea that patients should be fully informed at all stages of medical treatment and medical trials. There are two aspects to informed consent: a conversation with a care provider or researcher, and a form which must be signed to indicate that the conversation has occurred. Informed consent is a very important part of modern medical practice and research, and it is designed to protect both patients and doctors. (wisegeek.com)

Clients/patients have the right to be told everything about their health and the care they are receiving. Whatever procedure is going to be undertaken an informed consent or agreement is needed.

Say you're wanting to, as an OT, record or undertake research involving a client. A full and clear explanation will be given around what it is about, what it will be used for, who will see/access it and what will happen to the information after it has completed its use. It is just the same if a video recording of a client's progress is taken or even photographs. 


Thanks for reading, I do hope you have enjoyed this rather long post!